I love the concept of trading a skill for something you really need, especially if it involves your small business. True story: Just last week, my best friend just swapped her amazing website-building skills for some sweet photography props.

I’m a perfectionist, especially when it comes to upholding traditions, and I’ve driven myself to exhaustion with all the parties, shopping and baking all day long. So this year, I’m trying to do things differently.

NSFW breaks down and pokes fun at the ridiculous lengths these types of consumer magazines will reach to “empower” women, all while photoshopping thigh bulges and tummy rolls to create the perfect image of a woman.

Last Tuesday, September 9, I was honoured to celebrate the International Day of Beauty at the second annual Body Confidence Canada Awards (BCCAs). In a room with a killer view 51 floors above the city at Toronto’s Panorama Lounge, we toasted this year’s four winners and listened to some incredibly moving and inspiring speeches about body positivity.